Mr. Sones was born in Muncy, Pennsylvania, the son of a Navy Chief, Eugene Sones, who served for 20 years. Jimaye (pronounced Jimmie) traveled with his family, including his mother Jean, brother Steve, and sister Randi, as part of the US Navy's family plan. Jimaye has been married for the last 32 years to Susie Sones. They have one daughter, Suzanne; a son-in-law, David Long; and one grandchild, Charlotte Long. Jimaye's long-term goals included acquiring an education. He graduated from Longwood College in Farmville, Virginia, where he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Economics in 1976 and a Business Administrative degree with honors in 1982. He received a Master of Management from the Florida Institute of Technology in 1998. In 2003, he became a certified defense financial manager.

Jimaye entered the federal service in 1985 with the Department of the Army. During his career, he worked as a senior auditor for four years and audit office chief for two years with the Army Troop Support Agency. When the Troop Support Agency was absorbed into the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), Jimaye became the first accounting branch chief in DeCA's newly formed East Service Center. After two years, the Director of DeCA appointed him the first analysis and reconciliation business unit manager. He would later accept the position of region resource manager for the largest region within DeCA, located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. After five years in this position, Jimaye was promoted and transferred back to the DeCA Headquarters as the director of accounting. He was ultimately promoted to the position of Comptroller, DeCA. Prior to federal service, Jimaye had a variety of work experience. He was an insurance and securities agent and opened a small office in his hometown of Crewe, Virginia. Prior to that, he was a long haul truck driver, crisscrossing the country for two years hauling farm and construction equipment. He started his adult working career with a sheet metal fabrication company run by his uncle. He learned welding, painting and hard work while putting himself through college. His uncle served as a role model and mentor during this time, constantly encouraging him to continue his education.